These topics air Tuesday April 22, 2014 at noon and 8pm on 90.5 WESA. To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. Join the conversation LIVE between noon & 1 pm weekdays at 412-246-2002. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.
The Food Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved
Cooking and eating food is an experience many people take for granted, especially busy public school students. When world renowned chef, Jamie Oliver visited Pittsburgh in 2012 to promote his food revolution, he challenged schools and communities to focus on healthy food choices. A group of students at the Barack Obama Academy in East Liberty took on the challenge by forming a Cooking Club and partnering with people in the restaurant community. Bobby Fry, part-owner of Bar Marco in the Strip District joins us to talk about the Food Revolution, along with Joel Macklin, president of the cooking club and a junior at Obama Academy.
Virtual Earth Day
A virtual Earth Day party will take place this week. One of the highlights will be a new environmental music video on how consumers can save money and energy. The video will even feature a cameo from Mayor Peduto. We’ll get details on the video and event from Joylette Portlock, President of Communitopia.
WESA Celebrates - Meggs Yunn
This week we profile Meggs Yunn. In 2011, while volunteering with an afterschool program at a homeless shelter, Meggs encountered a child who had never had a birthday party. Since then she has made it her mission to bring birthday cheer to homeless children.
Business of Earth Day
Earth Day began at the height of the hippie movement in the 70’s. At the time pollution was seen as the cost of prosperity. Since then, our consciousness has been raised regarding the negative impact we’re having on the environment. This week contributor Rebecca Harris looks at the business of Earth Day.